Laos reaches agreement with a leading French company CNR to provide technical assistance in the field
Introduction: The Lao Government is dedicated to pursuing sustainable development in the hydropower sector, and to this end it has reached agreement with a leading French company to provide technical assistance in the field.
Story: Director General of the Department of Energy Policy and Planning, Dr Daovong Phonekeo and Chairwoman and CEO of Compagnie Nationale du Rhone (CNR) Elisabeth Ayrault signed off on a Memorandum of Understanding at the Ministry of Energy and Mines.
The MOU with CNR calls for the French energy and engineering company to provide assistance in evaluating and monitoring run-of-river hydropower projects with regard to hydrology, sediment transport, navigation and dam safety as well as optimisation of hydropower potential.
For many years it has provided expertise in hydraulics to the Mekong River Commission and its member countries, including the Lao PDR. In Laos, CNR has engaged in project design and feasibility studies on the Mekong River, and it has provided technical assistance on hydraulics, sedimentation and navigation for the Xayaburi Hydropower Project.
In keeping with its own corporate values and guidance, CNR will assist the government in meeting international standards for sustainability, with regard to the safety and security of people and property, protection of the environment and natural resources, as well as the economic viability and energy efficiency of hydropower plants.
Source: Lao National Television News in English
Broadcast on March 26, 2015
